Former cage fighter Alex Reid is worried for his health after revealing he’d been in 300 fights and ‘hit more times than I can count’ as he anxiously awaits his test results
22:55, 25 Nov 2025
Alex Reid has posted a worrying health update from hospital (Image: Instagram )
Alex Reid has revealed he was rushed to hospital with a suspected bleed on the brain after walking around like he was ‘punch drunk’ in the street.
The 50-year-old cage-fighting ex of Katie Price took to Instagram to give a worrying health update on Tuesday. Issuing a warning to younger fighters – after sharing he had been in 300 fights during his career and “been hit more times than I can count” – he shared a photo of himself hooked up to a machine.
Alongside it, he wrote: “I’ve been in hospital since 9am this morning. I’ve already had a CT scan, and I’m now waiting for an MRI to check if there’s a bleed on the posterior part of my brain.”
READ MORE: Katie Price’s boyfriend JJ ‘worried she’s running herself into the ground’The former cage fighter revealed he’d been rushed to hospital with a suspected bleed on brain(Image: Instagram)
He continued: “I honestly can’t believe how I’ve been walking lately — so ‘punch drunk’ that people keep assuming I’m drunk when I’m out. I’m not.
“This is just how my body moves these days, and it’s a horrible feeling not knowing why. The pain, the imbalance, the uncertainty… It’s all become really hard to live with.
“This isn’t a negative post about martial arts, fighting, or ‘don’t do combat sports.” I love this sport. It’s my life. But after around 300 fights, years of martial arts training, and being hit more times than I can count, plus my cauliflower ears to prove it.
“I want young lads coming up in the sport to start training smarter. Wear your headgear. Look after yourselves. Think long-term, not just about the next fight.”
Alex in a bad way during one of his cage fights back in 2010 (Image: Getty Images)
Alex’s dad tragically passed away at the age of 77 from a brain tumour, which had caused Alex to worry it might be hereditary. But he shared: “Thank God the scans so far have shown no tumours.”
Revealing he was now waiting for his test results, he added: “My dad passed away at 77 from a brain tumour, so hearing that today was a massive relief.
“Now we’re just waiting to see if there’s any bleed or any signs of brain damage that might explain what’s been happening with my walking and balance.
“This is me being honest, raising awareness, and letting people know what really goes on behind closed doors. Combat sports are incredible – but your health is everything. I’ll keep everyone posted when I get the results. Thank you to everyone who’s sent messages and support today.’
Repetitive head impacts from activities like martial arts can cause a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain condition that was previously known as “punch-drunk syndrome”.
It can occur from a history of repeated blows to the head or concussions over many years. The first signs of it can be anxiety, aggression, erratic behaviour and depression which can later lead to impaired co-ordination, confusion, difficulty concentrating and memory loss. In the advanced stages this can turn into dementia.
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